Transferability of animal test results to humans

8. Major progress thanks to animal experiments

Animal experiments are only permitted if they are essential for elucidating as yet unresolved questions. They are part of basic research and prescribed by law for the development of new medicines and treatments (preclinical research). The intention of animal experiments is not only to create specific applications, but also to generate knowledge that can be used to develop innovative medicines and therapies. Or in other words, studies and experiments involving animals increase our knowledge of the natural world. They help us gain a better understanding of diseases. Findings from animal experiments can be transferred to humans with sufficient certainty to be able to deduce principles of action and harmful effects. There can be no question that animal experiments make a major contribution to the development of new methods of medical treatment. For example, it is now possible to cure childhood leukaemia in 80 percent of cases thanks to animal experiments. The most recent example is the rapid and successful development of various COVID-19 vaccines.